Health Protection Agency HPA has warned the public of the new COVID-19 variant JN.1 spreading rapidly in several countries as well as the dangers of other respiratory illnesses amid the school holidays.
In a statement, HPA said that the COVID-19 variant JN.1 has been spreading rampantly in several countries during December.
HPA also said that respiratory cases are expected to increase in the coming days as more and more people travel abroad as well as to domestic destinations during the holidays for schools, colleges, and universities.
The Agency said another factor that might contribute to the increase in respiratory illness cases is the Umrah pilgrimages who would go and come back from Saudi Arabia in the next two weeks.
HPA listed that this would mean common cold, viral fever, as well as respiratory communicable illnesses, are expected to increase in the coming days.
The Agency reminded the public to remain cautious of the spike in such illnesses and to take all necessary measures to avoid the spread of the diseases.
HPA also warned of mosquito-borne diseases and to be mindful of food poisoning and other food-related disesases during the holidays.
